Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Okay, this is going to be so random and all over the place, so hang in there with me!

First off, I have to brag. The Christian rock group “Fireflight” who I personally know and have talked about in a previous post have been nominated for 4 Dove Awards, yes 4, and I couldn’t be any prouder of them. They are seeing the fruits of their labor and God is blessing them incredibly. So here’s the deal, Dove Awards will be handed out Thursday, April 23rd at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and broadcast live nationwide on Gospel Music Channel. For more on Fireflight, please visit www.fireflightrock.com, www.myspace.com/fireflight or www.flickerrecords.com.

For the first time, fans have an opportunity to vote for the winner of the Artist of the Year along with the New Artist of the Year. Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com, will open on Feb. 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members. The cumulative fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

So, please, please, go and vote for them!!!! They would be humbled and honored. Thank you!!!

This is on a totally different topic here, but as I sit here and write, I know there are millions of people out there being affected by the slump in the economy in more ways than one. Tons of people are losing their jobs and for those who haven’t are in fear of losing their jobs. I have a good friend of mine who I talked with who come this Fall might not have a job. Nevertheless, the stress of all this is really getting to her and you know, it’s easy to tell somebody not to worry about it, when you have a secure job. But I really just tried to let her know not to stress about something that hasn’t even happened yet. That God is in control and that he knows the beginning from the end. He is the ultimate provider and is holding her in the palm of his hand. All those words are good and VERY much true, but what else do you say to those people that are really being affected by all that’s going on in the world and with the economy. My heart goes out to them and even I’m struggling, but everyone has their levels of responsibilities in their life and everyone is being affected in some way, whether big or small. But in the end, one thing remains, God IS in control! So for those of you who are really being affected and really stressing in a lot of areas, please just remember that. And that is just as much for me, as well.

I’ve really been thinking about the many hats we wear. Mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, granddaughter, niece, co-worker and etc…. And there just really is not enough hours in the day to be everything to everyone and really feel like you’re putting everything you have into each relationship, but you just try the best you can and with family, the good thing is they love you no matter what. The relationship I’m specifically thinking about right now is granddaughter. I’ve really been struggling because I made a promise to myself that I was going to make a point to visit my grandpa at the nursing home he’s staying at more often, but I haven’t been very successful at this. I let too many distractions get in the way, and before I know it, the week has gone by and I haven’t seen him. Don’t get me wrong, I do go and see him, but I just wish I would take that time to go see him more, pour that love out on him and spend time with him, even if it’s just sitting there with him and saying nothing at all, sometimes those unspoken moments are the best, and I know it just means a lot to him to just have someone there. I try not to beat myself up over this, but just need to make a change, and start carving out that specific time for him each week. I just want him to know I care! So just please be praying that my priorities may become aligned and balanced so I can make this happen.

Okay, I saved the best for last. Yes, the BIG giveaway, haha! I’m feeling generous and wanted to bless somebody!!! So, with that said, since yesterday was all about jewelry, I would like to give away one Pandora Bracelet and one charm as a starter. Just leave a comment and the giveaway will end Thursday evening and winner will be announced Friday by using the Random Integer Generator. If you’re not interested then tell anyone you want about it that might enjoy this piece of jewelry and have them stop by here. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

So, today is Ash Wednesday! What, if anything, are you planning to fast and give up for the 40 days??? I'm thinking soda and TV for me!

You really touched on a subject that I can relate to with your grandpa. I now live in the same town as my grandparents and it is really hard for me to get over to see my Grandma. She lives at home, but isn't in the best health or state of mind. I REALLY want to take the time to go see her and spend time with her, because I don't ever want to regret not doing it. It's just hard sometimes. I will be praying for both you and I in this area!

I would LOVE to be eventered in for you giveaway! I have been wanting one of those bracelets!! I don't kow what I am going to give up for Lent, but I want to do something! Good for you on Soda and TV. That would be a hard one for me!

I just went back and read your post from yesterday, hmm, and I'm trying to figure out this clue thing...When it comes to best friends, I'm pretty covered between God, my man and my best girl, but I'd still love to be the winner! :)

good post!! I too need to work on the balance in my life! I'll pray for those struggling with their jobs as well! Tough times right now but God will get us through :) Also, do enter me! Happy Hump Day!

Glad I did - I too love FIREFLIGHT! Love all things Christian music - so I'll have to check this out.... I'm so bummed because they quit carrying the Dove Awards around here.. I looked forward to that as most people do the Oscars... sad!

Wow, that is generous! Thanks for sharing about your grandpa and hope you're having a wonderful Thursday night. Thank you also for your sweet comment on my blog...I've been so blessed by all of your encouraging words!

I haven't been on in a couple of days and when i got on today i was reading about your grandfather and i just have a little story to share with you. I have a great grandmother that will be 100 years old this year and she is the sweetest thing ever. I was visiting her every week and then i just kept getting sad when i was there because i didn't like seeing her that way so i quit going as much. Then it hit me i wasn't there for my feelings i was there to encourage and lift her spirits up so i went and saw her yesturday and am going to get back on my weekly schedule and i was thinking about it today and i went to get gas and she was in the car with her caregiver and i got to see her again.God is good all the time and all the time God is good!! truthfully it really is a reality check and blessing when we slow down and really view how much we do have in life. So now that i've rambled on im praying for you for your fast, you will be tempted but God will always give you a way out we just have to choose to take it.Thank you for such an inspiring blog

I would hope that when I look back on my life that I can look back with great certainty that my purpose was served here on earth. That I loved God with my whole heart, loved people, and loved well. I love blessing others. It's much better to give then to receive. I know that there's an amazing God that loves me and will never leave me nor forsake me. There's alot of peace in that when this world can let us down. He's my constant, the one thing that remains the same in this ever changing life of mine. I look towards the future with great hope and expectancy. With hope that God has an amazing path for me, and just pray that my every step will be guided and directed by him as I walk this journey called life!

Thank you for coming by. My hope is that through this page you will find some kind of enjoyment and inspiration. Tell others about it and keep checking in. If you want to contact me my e-mail is LaurenBella6@hotmail.com :o)